AI agents for marketing: 5 ways to save time in 2025

The rise of autonomous AI and AI agents offers unprecedented opportunities for SMEs in digital marketing and e-commerce. Where AI tools used to be mainly supportive, we are now seeing more and more "autonomous" applications: systems that independently make decisions, learn, and perform actions. How can you, as a smart entrepreneur, get started with this? In this article, you will discover practical examples, concrete tools, and how you can quickly gain an advantage with ClickForest.

Summary

• Autonomous revolution: AI agents independently perform marketing tasks, learn and optimize continuously
• 5 application domains: Ad optimization, conversation automation, personalized emails, content creation, e-commerce personalization
• Measurable impact: 25-40% higher conversions, 30-50% time savings, 10-20% increase in turnover
• SME-accessible: Start lean with one domain, proven tools via Make.com/Zapier integrations
• Future trends: Multi-agent systems, low-code integrations, AI co-pilots and hyper-personalization

What exactly are autonomous AI and AI agents?

Autonomous AI refers to systems that perform tasks completely independently, based on pre-set objectives and continuous self-learning algorithms. An AI agent is a digital entity that autonomously takes actions in an environment, often with a clear mission ("maximize conversions", "optimize content", ...).

Previously, marketers had to constantly tweak and adjust things themselves. Today, AI agents can:

• Set up and adjust A/B tests

• Optimize campaigns on ROAS or CPA

• Send personalized emails and content

• Automatically update product recommendations

• Guiding conversation flows in chatbots

“We've known for some time that AI would fundamentally change how consumers approach online shopping, but it's now clear that we're no longer talking about the future.”

— Bloomreach Research Team, Consumer Shopping Behavior
Source: CX Dive - AI rapidly changing consumer shopping behavior

5 areas where you can implement autonomous AI today

1. Ad optimization

Most SMEs are already using Performance Max in Google Ads, but that's just the beginning. Modern AI agents (such as Madgicx, Kua.ai, AdCreative.ai) take it a step further:

• Automatically redistribute budget across campaigns based on performance

• A/B test creatives without human intervention

• Provide recommendations for targeting

• Predictive analysis of conversion opportunities

Read also: Performance marketing in the AI era

2. Conversational automation and sales via chat

AI chatbots are evolving into autonomous sales agents. Tools like Drift, Intercom Fin AI, and ChatGPT-custom agents:

• Detect in real time what a visitor is looking for

• Guide the conversation towards conversion

• Can make personalized offers

• Learning based on interactions

“The majority of consumers surveyed - 61% - have used general AI tools to help them shop online, with more than half reporting that their search habits have become more conversational.”

— Bloomreach & Propeller Insights, AI Shopping Survey
Source: CX Dive - AI Consumer Shopping Research

3. Personalized emails and content flows

AI agents can independently manage email campaigns using tools like Rasa.io, Seventh Sense, or Flowrite. Specifically:

• Automatically personalize based on behavior and segment

• Optimize sending schedule per individual

• A/B testing of subject lines and content

• Build fully automated nurture flows

Read also: Lead generation & follow-up

4. Content creation and optimization

Autonomous AI-powered tools like Jasper, Copy.ai, and Frase.io can:

• Independently generate content around trending topics

• Apply SEO optimization based on SERP analysis

• Automatically update and rewrite old content

• Create multilingual versions for internationalization

“Companies should use AI to improve the existing consumer journey rather than fundamentally changing it, as customer experience leaders must meet the rapidly evolving needs of consumers.”

— CX Dive Expert Panel, Customer Experience Research
Source: CX Dive - AI Customer Experience Best Practices

Read also: Combining AI and SEO

5. E-commerce personalization and recommendations

In e-commerce, AI agents can:

• Adjust product recommendations in real time

• Automatically push seasonal offers

• Autonomously adjust customer segments

• Optimize inventory and price adjustments based on demand

Tools like Recombee, Crossing Minds, and Shopify Magic are making this accessible to SMEs today.

Read also: AI and Shopify: smart apps and automations

How to use autonomous AI and AI agents without the complexity?

Many SMEs think this technology is for large companies. Nothing could be further from the truth. The key? Start lean:

• 1. Start with one domain (e.g., email, chat, content, or advertising)

• 2. Use proven tools with integration options (e.g. Make.com, Zapier, native Shopify apps)

• 3. Monitor results and adjust accordingly

• 4. Gradually automate more processes

AI-powered automation of your entire marketing funnel, from lead generation to conversion, is now perfectly achievable for SMEs.

“93% of respondents said it is important for e-commerce websites to understand conversational searches, as search behavior becomes more natural and question-based.”

— Bloomreach Consumer Research, E-commerce Search Study
Source: CX Dive - Conversational Search Research

What are the benefits for your marketing?

International benchmarks show:

• +25-40% higher conversion rates with AI-optimized emails

• -30-50% time savings in campaign management

• +10-20% revenue increase with personalized recommendations

• +15-30% more qualified leads through AI chat agents

SMEs can significantly enhance their AI lead generation with AI-powered chatbots and personalized flows, resulting in more qualified leads and lower acquisition costs.

Read also: Top AI tools for marketers

Pitfalls to avoid

While the possibilities are vast, there are also points to consider:

• Don't accept a black box → choose tools that show you AI decisions transparently

• Maintain human oversight → AI agents can learn, but human judgment remains crucial

• Respect data privacy → ensure you are GDPR compliant

• Don't just rely on AI → AI enhances your strategy; it isn't a strategy in itself.

Mini case study: how a ClickForest client automated 3 processes

A ClickForest client (Shopify fashion webshop) gradually implemented autonomous AI:

1. AI-powered emails increased the open rate by 32%

2. AI chatbot generated 18% of sales without human support

3. AI-powered ad optimization lowered CPA by 27% in Meta Ads

The investment was fully recouped within 3 months.

Read also: AI for growth

What does the future hold?

The upcoming evolutions we anticipate:

• Multi-agent systems: AI agents that collaborate (e.g., chatbot + email agent + ad agent)

• More low-code integrations: easier combination with existing tools

• AI co-pilots in marketing tools: each tool gets its own smart assistant

• Hyper-personalized customer journeys: AI adjusts flows in real time for each visitor

“Organizations that use AI automation tools save an average of 2.5 hours per employee per day while improving output quality by 35%.”

— Team-GPT Research Team, Productivity Analysis
Source: Team-GPT - AI Tools for Productivity Study

In summary

Autonomous AI and AI agents offer tremendous opportunities for digital marketing and e-commerce. SMEs can already:

• Generate more leads with AI-powered chat and email

• Increase conversions with autonomous ad optimization

• Automate content creation and SEO

• Smartly expand personalization in their online store

Want to know how to implement this specifically for your business? With ClickForest's AI audit for SMEs, we precisely map out where autonomous AI can already make an impact on your marketing today. With our AI audit checklist, you'll quickly discover which autonomous AI tools and AI agents will have the most impact on your marketing and e-commerce.

👉 Ready to boost your marketing with smart AI agents?Request your free audit and discover your AI potential.

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👉 Or ask your question via the contact form, email frederiek@clickforest.com or call +32 473 84 66 27.

📄 Want to get inspired? Download the free whitepaper 'AI for SMEs in 2025' with concrete tips & insights.

Together we discover how you can get more out of your marketing, technology and AI today.

Frequently asked questions about AI Agents

• What is autonomous AI?

  Autonomous AI refers to systems that independently perform marketing tasks and learn from results, without manual guidance.

• What does an AI agent do?

  An AI agent is a digital entity that performs marketing actions, such as optimizing campaigns, creating personalized content, or following up on leads.

• Can SMEs already use this?

  Certainly. With tools like Make, Zapier, and specialized AI platforms, SMEs can also autonomously implement AI without significant IT complexity.

• Where can you first implement autonomous AI?

  Popular applications include email marketing, ad optimization, chatbots, personalized content, and product recommendations.

• Is the use of AI agents GDPR-proof?

  That's possible, provided you use tools that respect data privacy and offer transparency about AI decisions.

• What are the concrete benefits of autonomous AI?

  Higher conversions, lower cost per acquisition, time savings in marketing flows, and improved customer experience.

• Are AI agents expensive to set up?

  Not necessarily. Many tools offer low-entry subscriptions and pay-as-you-go models suitable for SMEs.

• What's the best way for an SME to get started?

  Start with one area (e.g., chat or email), test results, and gradually expand.

• Do you still need to maintain human oversight?

  Absolutely. AI agents enhance your marketing, but human oversight remains necessary for strategy and ethics.

• What is the next step in AI for marketing?

  Multi-agent systems, where different AIs collaborate to manage personalized customer journeys completely autonomously.

Sources and references

AI agents market statistics and growth

• All About AI: "AI agents statistics and market trends for 2025: growth and impact" - https://www.allaboutai.com/ai-agents/statistics/

• Grand View Research: "AI agents market size, share and trends - industry report 2030" - https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/ai-agents-market-report

• LitsLink: "AI agents statistics: usage and market insights (2025)" - https://litslink.com/blog/ai-agent-statistics

AI marketing trends and applications

• NoGood: "AI marketing trends to watch in 2025" - https://nogood.io/2025/01/06/ai-marketing-trends-2025/

• TextCortex: "How AI agents are transforming marketing in 2025" - https://textcortex.com/post/ai-agent-for-marketing

• ContentGrip: "AI agents: the complete marketing guide for 2025" - https://www.contentgrip.com/ai-agents-for-marketing/

Marketing automation ROI and performance

• Digital Silk: "Top 30 marketing automation statistics for 2025: ROI, trends and more" - https://www.digitalsilk.com/digital-trends/marketing-automation-statistics/

• Firework: "80 essential marketing automation statistics for 2024" - https://firework.com/blog/marketing-automation-statistics

• The CMO: "Marketing automation statistics reveal ROI and budget benefits" - https://thecmo.com/marketing-operations/marketing-automation-statistics/

AI tools and business productivity

• Aisera: "AI agents for business productivity in 2025: use cases and benefits" - https://aisera.com/blog/ai-agents-for-business/

• CoSchedule: "State of AI in marketing report 2025 - AI marketing statistics" - https://coschedule.com/ai-marketing-statistics

• Sprout Social: "24 AI marketing tools your team should use in 2025" - https://sproutsocial.com/insights/ai-marketing-tools/